FIFA have announced that Cameroon midfielder Alex Song will face a three-match ban for his dismissal against Croatia.

With his side trailing to Ivica Olić’s opener, Song struck Croatia forward Mario Mandžukić with blatant and deliberate elbow just five minutes before half-time.

The referee, Pedro Proença, had little choice but to dismiss the Barcelona midfielder, with Croatia taking full advantage to secure a 4-0 victory, courtesy of second half strikes from Ivan Perišić and Mandžukić [two].

FIFA have taken four days decide upon a suitable punishment for Song, whose suspension starts with Cameroon’s final Group A match against Brazil, on Monday.

“FIFA can provide the following disciplinary update in relation to the expulsion of Alex Song of Cameroon in their match against Croatia on 18 June,” read an official statement, as reported by the Daily Mail.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided today to suspend Song for three matches and impose a fine of CHF 20,000 for breaching art. 48 par. 1 d) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code [FDC].

“The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming World Cup fixture between Cameroon and Brazil on 23 June 2014, with the remaining two to be served at the next official matches of the Cameroon national team in accordance with art. 38 par. 2 lit. a) of the FDC.”

The defeat to Croatia meant Cameroon were knocked out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a game to spare. They could, however, take hosts Brazil with them, if they can secure an unlikely victory and Croatia draw with Mexico. There is also a scenario where if Brazil and Mexico lose, the latter could still qualify, but it would depend on their respective margins of defeat.